2017 Mazda 6 Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

There is no more stylish, sporty, or maturely executed mid-size sedan than the Mazda 6. Our other favorite, the Honda Accord, hides its excellence behind a veil of stoicism. Not the Mazda, which boasts an attractive body that sits atop a sharp-handling chassis and wraps around a luxury-grade interior. The 6’s Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims share the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Manual and automatic six-speed transmissions are available, as are the latest active safety features.

What's New for 2017?

Mazda’s clever G-Vectoring Control, an electronic method for inducing subtle load transfer to the front axle in response to steering-wheel inputs for enhanced feel, is introduced to the entire lineup. In all models, weather seals and sound attenuation have been optimized for further quiet. The i-Activsense safety bundle has been improved for 2017. A new Premium package for the Grand Touring model ups the Mazda 6’s already impressive luxury game.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

• Sport: $22,835
• Touring: $25,085
  
• Grand Touring: $31,585

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The only engine choice for the Mazda is a 184-hp 2.5-liter four cylinder. It revs reasonably smoothly and with zeal to its 6000-rpm redline, which is a good thing, since competitors offer more engine choices and more powerful ones. The standard six-speed manual transmission and optional six-speed automatic are both excellent. Even so, the 6 is crying out for a more powerful engine option or a turbocharger. Still, this is our favorite mid-size sedan to drive. Mazda manages to provide the thrills without sacrificing refinement or ride quality. The chassis responds sharply and predictably to steering-wheel inputs and aggressive lifts of the throttle, allowing drivers to tailor their line midcorner. Body control is excellent, with very little roll in turns and zero wallow or judders over rippled pavement.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

If you didn't know that the 6’s interior is from Mazda, you’d be forgiven for thinking it belonged in a much pricier car. The quality of the materials impresses, as does the upscale, mature design and restrained detailing. The dashboard sits low, highlighted by a sharp 7.0-inch display that is controlled by a rotary knob, a few hard buttons, or touch inputs. The 6’s cabin is eminently useful, at least up front, where there are four cupholders and plenty of stash space. The rear doors only have pockets for one drink apiece, and the other two cupholders live in the fold-down center armrest—as do the heated-seat controls on Grand Touring models. Surprisingly for a sedan with so sexy a shape, the Mazda 6 is no less practical than other mid-size offerings, with plenty of trunk space and folding rear seats.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Operated primarily by a control knob, Mazda’s infotainment system has the tactility and visual punch to impress. The dashtop display doubles as a touchscreen, albeit one that only works when the car is stationary. As satisfying and easy as that knob is to use, the menus it commands aren’t as intuitive as they could be. Every Mazda 6 comes standard with a 7.0-inch color touchscreen unit that features a USB port, auxiliary input jack, voice-control capability, and Bluetooth. Navigation is standard on the Grand Touring model, but the 2017 Mazda 6 does not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto at any trim level.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Mazda 6’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.